Proverbs 23:22

KJV

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto thy father {H1} that begat {H3205} thee, and despise {H936} not thy mother {H517} when she is old {H2204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to your father, who gave you life; and don't despise your mother when she gets old.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:22 delivers a profound and timeless admonition, urging children to maintain unwavering respect and attentive obedience toward their parents throughout their lives. It specifically calls for honoring the father who imparted life and for steadfastly refraining from despising the mother, particularly as she enters old age. This verse serves as a cornerstone of biblical wisdom, emphasizing the enduring duty of filial piety, gratitude, and compassionate care within the family unit, reflecting a foundational principle for a well-ordered and righteous life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger section of the book (Proverbs 22:17-24:34) often referred to as the "Sayings of the Wise," a collection of practical instructions and moral exhortations designed to guide individuals in living a life of wisdom and righteousness. The immediate preceding verses (Proverbs 23:19-21) warn against gluttony and drunkenness, which can lead to poverty and ruin, setting a tone of admonition for responsible living. Following Proverbs 23:22, the text continues to extol the virtues of wisdom and the importance of parental instruction, contrasting it with the destructive path of folly and immorality (Proverbs 23:23-28). Thus, the call to honor parents is presented as a vital component of the wise path, intertwined with other ethical directives for a flourishing life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family was the fundamental unit of social, economic, and religious life. Parental authority was paramount, and the transmission of wisdom, faith, and practical skills occurred primarily within the home. The concept of honoring parents was not merely a suggestion but a sacred duty, deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law, notably as the [Fifth Commandment in the Decalogue](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). This commandment carried a promise of longevity and well-being in the land, underscoring its societal and spiritual significance. Furthermore, the elderly held a revered status in ancient Near Eastern cultures, seen as repositories of wisdom and experience. To "despise" an aging parent would have been an egregious offense, a violation of both familial and communal norms, reflecting a profound lack of gratitude and respect for those who had given life and nurture.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Filial Piety and Respect**, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with honoring one's origins and those who provided life and instruction. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear Your Father's Instruction") and [Proverbs 6:20](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20 - Keep Your Father's Command"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Intergenerational Responsibility and Care for the Vulnerable**. By specifically mentioning the mother "when she is old," it draws attention to the particular needs and potential vulnerabilities of aging parents, calling for continued love, dignity, and practical support. This resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on caring for the weak and dependent, as found in the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for the Aged")). Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **Wisdom's Source and Transmission**. Parents are often depicted in Proverbs as the primary conduits of wisdom, and hearkening to them is presented as a pathway to receiving and embodying that wisdom, leading to a life blessed by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word (H8085) is far more comprehensive than merely "to hear." It implies listening with understanding, giving diligent attention, and, crucially, obeying. It signifies a receptive heart and a willingness to act upon what is heard. In the context of parental instruction, it means not just passively hearing their words but actively internalizing their counsel and submitting to their authority and wisdom.
* **Despise (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** The term (H936) denotes a strong sense of scorn, disdain, contempt, or even utter disregard. It is an active rejection of worth or value. The prohibition against despising one's mother, especially in her old age, underscores the severity of such an attitude, portraying it as a profound moral and spiritual failing that dishonors the giver of life and disregards their vulnerability.
* **Old (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** This word (H2204) refers to being aged or old. Its inclusion specifically for the mother emphasizes a particular stage of life characterized by diminished strength, increased vulnerability, and often, greater dependence. The command not to despise her "when she is old" highlights the ongoing and perhaps even intensified need for honor, patience, and practical care as parents age and their capabilities wane.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto thy father that begat thee":** This clause issues a direct imperative to listen attentively and obediently to one's father. The phrase "that begat thee" serves as a powerful reminder of the father's fundamental role in giving life and, by extension, providing upbringing, instruction, and guidance. It appeals to a sense of gratitude and recognition for this foundational contribution, implying that the father's counsel is rooted in love and experience for the child's well-being.
* **"and despise not thy mother when she is old.":** This second clause complements the first, extending the command to the mother and adding a crucial qualifier. It prohibits any form of scorn, contempt, or neglect towards the mother, particularly emphasizing her vulnerability in old age. This highlights the ongoing responsibility of children to care for and honor their parents even when they may be frail, dependent, or perceived as less capable, underscoring the enduring nature of filial duty and love.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:22 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse exhibits **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, creating a comprehensive command regarding both parents. While not strictly antithetical, the two clauses present complementary aspects of filial duty: active listening to the father and refraining from contempt towards the aging mother. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Hearken," "despise not") makes the commands direct, forceful, and non-negotiable, emphasizing their moral weight. The phrases "that begat thee" and "when she is old" serve as powerful **Appeals to Pathos**, evoking gratitude for life given and compassion for vulnerability in old age, thereby strengthening the emotional and ethical force of the commands. Furthermore, the mention of "father" and "mother" together functions as a **Merism**, representing the complete parental unit and thus encompassing all aspects of honor and care due to one's parents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to honor parents, as encapsulated in Proverbs 23:22, is a thread woven throughout the entire fabric of biblical revelation, signifying its timeless and universal importance. It is not merely a cultural norm but a divine mandate, reflecting God's design for family order and the transmission of wisdom across generations. This principle underscores the value God places on authority, respect, and the foundational role of the family in society and spiritual formation. Disregarding parents is seen as a rejection of wisdom and a defiance of divine order, leading to negative consequences, while honoring them is consistently linked to blessings and a flourishing life.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor Your Father and Your Mother")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:22 calls us to a profound and enduring commitment to our parents, a commitment that transcends childhood and extends throughout their lives, especially into their vulnerable later years. In a world that often prioritizes youth, independence, and personal ambition, this proverb serves as a powerful counter-cultural reminder of our foundational duties. It challenges us to move beyond mere tolerance or occasional gestures of kindness to cultivate a deep, abiding respect and active care for those who gave us life and nurtured us. This includes not only listening to their wisdom and valuing their experience, even when our perspectives differ, but also ensuring their dignity, comfort, and well-being as they age. It's a call to proactive love, patience, and practical support, remembering the sacrifices they made for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively "hearken" to the wisdom and counsel of my parents (or parental figures) today, even as an adult?**
* **How do I ensure that I am not "despising" my aging parents, either through neglect, impatience, or a lack of practical support?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for my parents' contributions to my life, and how can I express that gratitude meaningfully?**
* **How does my attitude and treatment of my parents reflect my understanding of God's command to honor them?**

### FAQ
**What does "hearken unto thy father that begat thee" truly imply?**

Answer: "Hearken" (Hebrew: *shâmaʻ*) means much more than just hearing sounds. It implies listening with understanding, giving careful attention, and, most importantly, obeying. The phrase "that begat thee" emphasizes the father's role in giving life and, by extension, providing instruction and guidance. So, the command means to attentively receive, internalize, and act upon the wise counsel and instruction of your father, acknowledging his foundational role in your existence and upbringing. It's about respecting his authority and valuing his experience.

**Why is there a specific mention of "despise not thy mother when she is old"?**

Answer: This specific mention highlights the particular vulnerability of mothers (and parents in general) in old age. As individuals grow old, they may experience declining physical and mental faculties, potentially leading to increased dependence. The command to "despise not" (Hebrew: *bûwz*, meaning scorn or contempt) underscores the severe moral offense of neglecting, disrespecting, or showing disdain for an aging parent, especially one who has poured her life into nurturing her children. It emphasizes the enduring duty of children to provide continued love, dignity, and care for their parents, even when their needs change and they may no longer be as capable as they once were. This aligns with broader biblical principles of caring for the vulnerable, as seen in [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for the Aged").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb calls us to honor earthly parents, Jesus perfectly embodied this principle in His own life. He was [subject to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Obedience to His Parents"), demonstrating perfect obedience and respect within the human family unit. More significantly, Jesus perfectly "hearkened" to His heavenly Father, living a life of absolute obedience, always doing [what pleased the Father](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father"). His entire mission was to fulfill the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross. Furthermore, even in His agony on the cross, Jesus did not "despise" His mother when she was old (or nearing old age), but rather made provision for her care, entrusting her to the beloved disciple John, saying, ["Woman, behold your son!" and to the disciple, "Behold your mother!"](/john/19-26 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother"). This act of selfless care, even in His final moments, perfectly illustrates the spirit of the proverb. Through Christ, we are adopted into God's family, receiving a new Father who "begat" us spiritually (cf. [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). Our ultimate "hearkening" is to Him, and our ultimate freedom from "despising" comes through His grace, enabling us to love and honor both God and our earthly parents as He did.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 30:17

The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:2

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

John 19:27

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].

Proverbs 6:20

¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: